These writings will record our adoption journey to China to meet our daughter. We will post our thoughts and adventures so that she will have this record of her parent's experiences. It's all about Isabel!!!!

Friday, December 28, 2007

Well, our girl has been in the hospital now for 48 hours and they have isolated the problem as of this afternoon. She has kidney failure which is VERY common in older cats. The vet told us today when we visited that because she has started eating again and perking up, there are things that we can do to make her feel better. First, we have to put her on a new diet and then we have to do "water" therapy with her. It is really hard to explain to people who are not "animal" people but we will do what we can to prolong her life. She is a member of our family and one of the great loves of our lives. For those who know her, you know that Camie has always had a problem with realizing she is cat. She thinks that she is one of us and acts the part!! We miss her little tippy tap claws as she walks around the house and the meows for food, kisses and cuddles. She will hopefully be home tomorrow night. Thanks for all the well wishes and calls from near and far!!! Oh and I do appreciate the hospital!! They have given her oat bags, wrapped her in her blankets and let us visit with her long past visiting hours. We were there until 10pm last night!! Yes, we do love our girl.UPDATE: well they just called and said that she isn't eating now etc, etc, and they will test her this afternoon. We are going to see her soon. I have to say that my heart is breaking...

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Our darling girl had a rough Christmas and is spending the night in the emergency vet clinic. She is 19 1/2 and this makes it ever so hard for her and for us. So, if you have a moment, send her some healing thoughts and prayers so that she can get back on her feet literally. I just don't know what we will do without her one day. I guess this was the trial run...

Monday, December 24, 2007

Well, here we are. Another Christmas. We have had quite the year in 2007 and although we had hoped to bring home our daughter this year, that just wasn't in the cards. Here's hoping that 2008 will be the year that we all bring our children home!!! I can dream, it is Christmas!!!!

We wanted to thank everyone for all of their support this past year and the kindness that this cyber world has shown us. It has been a pleasure.In saying that, our Marching Panda secret pal's December gift arrived yesterday and here is the photo!! Cutie, cute goodies with a special gift for both Mama and Baba!!! So sweet!!! Thank you!!!

Saturday, December 22, 2007

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Ok, just when I feel like crying, gifts arrive in the mail from afar that make me smile. Yesterday, we had a wonderful package from Sam (I am REALLY holding back as I would love to build the house, Shawn just asked if we were going to!!!). Oh and Shawn LOVED the chocolate. Yep, he ate them all but two. He said that he was Isabel's Dad so they were for him too!! What a nut!!

I am a member of a group where we are all first time parents and I joined a Secret Santa exchange because I LOVE to shop and give. It is also really neat that someone thought of us and sent us gifts too. So, our gifts arrived today from our Santas Karen and Kevin from Guelph Ontario. You must have really done your homework because your gifts were bang on!!! Check out the goodies and they were all wrapped in the cutest Santa paper (which didn't last long)!!

After the super cute card with the nicest sentiments, I opened the Jazz Cd first which is playing right now!! I then opened all the great Children's Christmas books. What a collection!! Then, with Shawn holding Camie and watching I opened her little gift of balls. She is down on the floor playing with them now. I opened the bath goodies (cool flavours!!!), chocolate (dark my fav)and white tea (which I haven't tried yet but am excited to!!!). The little bear is so very cute !! So, the last gift I opened was the most beautiful dress and yep, I had a tear in my. It is GORGEOUS and this photo doesn't do it justice!! Thank you so much Karen and Kevin, you are pretty wonderful Secret Santas!! Wish wish you a very Merry Christmas!!

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

I don't know if it is the season, SAD or what but I feel like crying all the time these days. I spearheaded a drive for toys and food this year as I do every year at work. Well, I took everything down to the food bank today and cried all the way back to work. Those fellas down there were so THANKFUL for a few boxes of goodies. It broke my heart that these fellows who have disabilities were so excited and took their jobs so seriously. It really made me think...

I received a loverly package from Sam today. As you can see from the picture, she sent the NEATEST gingerbread house that will keep until next Christmas. I love the Angel, kisses and hot chocolate with the beautiful spoon!! Thanks so much Sam, for the pick me up. It is so exciting to receive your thoughtful gifts. Shawn wondered where the tea was but then he saw the hot chocolate and determined that it was a great choice for Christmas.

Speaking of my wonderful husband, he dressed up as Santa and gave out presents to the little ones and a few older ones at a dinner party tonight for one of my colleagues. What a guy!!! The second picture is a dollhouse that one of my residents was making but gave up on. He was kind enough to GIVE it to me for Isabel. We still have lots of work to do on it but I came home the other night and Shawn had strung all of these lights on Isabel's house. Isn't it pretty!! I love the Chinese doll that I found at the VV Boutique. She is holding a pretty ribbon ornament that we bought for Isabel in Chinatown. They have had them for years and now all of a sudden, they are almost sold out so we had to get it. We will put it on the tree next year... maybe...

Oh, and I was thinking that we are going to celebrate our 22nd month of waiting on New Year's Day. You are supposed to do things on that day that you would LIKE to do for the rest of the coming year. I don't want to WAIT patiently another year, celebrating yet again, another long month of waiting. YIKES!!! Any ideas on how to change our luck here?!?

Hmnn, maybe I will post a picture of the Christmas sweater that I have worn a few times this year all ready... at my Bazaar, at the Christmas Tree Decorating party and I will wear it again tonight for the Victoria Operatic Society performance. Can you guess what I do for a living? Yep, I am the Director of Leisure Services at a Seniors Residence. My poor staff have to put up with me wearing that crazy thing each year (this is our 9th Christmas together). They say they know Christmas is over when the Christmas Cardie leaves the office!!!!!

Saturday, December 01, 2007

Yep, it is here again but I couldn't remember what month until I looked at the ticker at the top of my blog!! So here we are, 21 months in and as I always say ? to go. Just don't know. So, this is what we have been doing to keep ourselves busy...skating!! Love it!!! We go to our city arena called SOFA, ha ha. No outdoor skating in Victoria because we don't have snow, well we do a little today!! Fun, fun, fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Off to decorate at work...

Monday, November 26, 2007

Well, our theme this month was "Dress you up in My Love" and our pal certainly did this!! As you can see from the photo, she included a beautiful Christmas dress, a Pink number that I wish they made in my size because it is just my style and a sweet little Pauline doll called "Awake/Asleep Annie" who didn't make it into last month's package. Wow.The two books "Tikki Tikki Tembo" and "The Ugly Vegetable" look great!!!!!!!!! Our pals then added a very special gift, the "From China with Love" 2008 calendar. Oh my!! This is just such a precious gift. I had a few tears while looking at all the photos of the beautiful children. It is so inspiring. So, thank you secret pal!! You are just super!!!!!!!!

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

LOTS of discussion out there in blogland about why people choose China, not domestic or other countries. Well, here is the real reason we went with China. It has NOTHING to do with the fact that we tried the domestic route first. Nope. It has to do with the fact that Shawn loves KI.SS and Ace is the best guitar player EVER (or one of them, so Shawn thinks). He loves Ace. We have a huge portrait, pictures, gumball cards, Ki.ss army stickers and LOTS of memorabilia. Guess what. Ace has Korean heritage and I think that Shawn related to him because he looks a bit like him and he always wanted to be like him when he was a kid. There you have it, we are going to adopt our child from China because Shawn loves KI.SS and wants our daughter to be a kicka** guitar player !!!!! I am KIDDING here. Please do not take this the wrong way and while I know that adopting a child with different features and a different cultural background is serious business (I only believe that we have one race, the human race), I just had to add some levity.Oh, and by the way Shawn really does love KI.SS!!!!!

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

I found this on Deb's site. I remember this song from an email that I sent to my girlfriend about four years ago. It had a little dancing bear and her son watched it over and over and over again!!! It almost drove them crazy. I wanted to have it here so that Isabel can hear it one day and drive me crazy!!!!

We have just heard that a fellow Marching Panda has lost her husband while they were adopting their daughter in China. Her blog is private so I can't share it here but please keep this new and beautiful family in your heart. There is a gorgeous picture of their new daughter sleeping on Daddy's chest and we are just so happy that he had a chance to be with their first child for even a little while. This news is so devastating, I just can't imagine... my heart just breaks for her and her new daughter...please keep them in your thoughts...

I woke up at 5 am this morning smiling because of a dream about Isabel. We were in China I think but you know how dreams are. I said to Shawn,"Look, she has ten fingers and ten toes!!!" Then we were kissing her tiny hands and feet, tickling her little belly and she was giggling like crazy. We wer giggling right along with her, giving her tons of kisses. It was so sweet, then I had to wake up!!

Thursday, November 01, 2007

I can't seem to get excited as we may have 4, 6, 8, 12 months to go before a referral. We had a conversation with our agency and they said to stick with it, we are too far into the process. If we were not, I think that we would be investigating other options... So, to cheer ourselves up, we have booked a weekend here. Can't wait!!!So Sam was a sweetie and sent me some lovely goodies!! Thank you soooo much for the pick me up!! Camie, a Diva as ever had to get into the photo!! Seriously, I was putting the gifts out and she jumped into the photo.

So, now, here is the photo without the kitty, to show the lovely goodies from Sam - a gorgeous tea cup, delicious tea (yes I have tried it!!), a neat candle snuffer, sweet little bag and a really pretty jacket for Isabel!! Love the card!! Thanks again Sam, you are a doll!!

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

We decided to continue with the Secret Pal exchange with the Marching Pandas to pass the time and we just received our first gift from our new pals. As you can see from the photo we have received an adorable outfit, a really neat Fisher Price Snap'n Style Linh doll, an animal activity play doh bucket, a Cinderella colour wonder book, a book called "The Jade Dragon" and a lovely letter. Thank you for these thoughtful gifts, it really put a smile on our faces, especially with the referral rumours floating around!!!! Looking forward to next month...

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

This past year, to take up the time during the wait, we have renovated our condo. New floors throughout, new baseboards, new kitchen counter top, new appliances, a few pieces of new furniture, new paint and new wooden blinds. Tomorrow we are entering the last phase, we are painting our bedroom, walk in closet and en suite bathroom. We are also rearranging our bedroom so that Isabel's crib will fit beside our bed and my Grandma S's rocking chair/ancient lazyboy, will have room. My Grandma rocked all of us in that chair and I hope to someday, rock my little girl to sleep there too. My friend Kathy gave me the most beautiful ivory fabric that has the pattern of roses all over it and the chair is out being recovered in this as I write this. I will post a picture of our room when we are done.

I decided to post this update because this blog is a record of our wait for Isabel and all of the things that we are doing to prepare for her. When the last referral batch came out, it shocked me to the core and I just couldn't bear to write about or contemplate our life with our daughter. As many people are writing right now, the wait is indescribable unless you are in the thick of it. I am a very patient person and I do believe that things happen for a reason and because of that, I do wonder if having our own children is something that will happen for Shawn and I. In saying this, I am not looking for empathy but wondering if the program is going to end before we get to China and if it does, do we have the emotional strength to follow a path to another country. So hard to know. Oh well, we continue on and hope that the referrals next month will be good news. Cheers, and thanks for all of your kind words and emails.

Tuesday, October 09, 2007

to my Marching Panda secret pal Maryellen over atTBG Happenings . She revealed herself in this, the last of her gifts and I COMPLETELY understand why she has dropped out of the exchange, she has her Sophie home!!!!!!! I was sad to hear that my pal was dropping out but Maryellen, you have the best reason EVER!!!!

Maryellen, I do think that we are kindred spirits!! Those UTube selections that you posted brought back so many memories!!! I can't tell you how happy I was to find that you were our pals as I feel as though I already kind of know you all!! It has been a wonderful exchange, you have been incredibly generous and we adore each and every gift that you have chosen for us and for Isabel.

So, onto the final gifts. HOLY S**T is all I can say. I can't believe that you found the"Free to Be You and Me" DVD!!!!!!!!!!!! That made my day. You didn't have to send ANYTHING else!!! But of course, you sent a wonderful ladybug plate set, kitty cat apron, "lovebug" bibs, adorable little white shoes and sunshine baby toys for Isabel. I love the little Cabbage Patch doll as well as the beautiful doll that came from China!! The little Panda wall hanging and the book "Somewhere in China a Mother Remembers" also came from the same store I believe. The store is called "A Gift from China" and the sticker says that the sale of these products will help support many disadvantaged children throughout China. Okay, these gifts brought a tear to my eye, especially the book!!! Now, the squeaky shoes are already driving Shawn mad!! Can't wait until Isabel is wearing them!! Thank you so much for the books, I love my books and you always seem to send such good ones!!! Oh, and I really appreciate the photo of your family. I want to be able to show Isabel who you all are!!! Who knows, you may not be blogging by the time we get a referral!!

So Maryellen, thank you for being such a great pal and even though I don't feel like posting much these days, I had to say THANK YOU for all of your kind words and your generous heart. We wish you all the very best and maybe someday we will meet!! You are all welcome here in Victoria, a lovely city to visit!!!!!

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

I can't believe the referral news. Five days... This is sooo sad. We are packing up all of our daughters things in boxes and I am not going to post for awhile. I need to focus on something else. At this rate, we won't see a referral for another year and although I am usually upbeat and positive, I just can't do that right now. So thanks Dolores for the nominations for the Nice Matters and Smile Awards. I really appreciate your kind words, you are always so very sweet. See you all sometime in the future when I feel like a human being again. Right now, I am going to pour myself a second glass of wine and break out the chocolate, I just can't believe it...

Monday, October 01, 2007

Yep, 19 months in the long line. Can't wait to see the referrals this month, hope that our daughter is ever closer to coming home. According to the CCAA, we will have at least 5 more months to wait for our referral. Here's hoping that things speed up and we see her face sooner that that. It all seems so unreal and so very far away... Happy October!!!

Wednesday, September 26, 2007

I received this today from a friend in China. Karin wishes everyone all the mooncakes that they can enjoy!! We shared one last night and will enjoy the others down at the Ocean, watching the moon rise (not that we don't do this with every full moon!!). Ah, what a beautiful time of year. I love the customs and stories that surround this holiday. If you are interested in it, check it out here. As for moon cakes, we like the nut, single yolk version. Another friend told me today that all mooncakes have five elements that represent the five senses and are therefore good luck to eat.

To echo Karin's words - we hope that you all enjoy all the mooncakes you can!!!! Happy Mid Autumn Moon Festival!!!!!!!!!!

Friday, September 21, 2007

Sam's little care package arrived days ago and I haven't had the chance to say a HUGE thank you on the blog. She sent Pocky sticks (YUMMMY!!), a beautiful little fish, a really neat hot pink (my fav colour) "Not Your Bag" luggage tag and a great magnet about perseverance. I so appreciated your kindness. It came at a time when I REALLY needed a pick me up!!!!!!!It has been a difficult week for many reasons, just one being this horrible wait. I looked at our ticker and I can't believe that we are so close to 24 months. When I chose it, I didn't even think we would get to the 24 month stage and now I may have to find a longer one. Who knows though, in this game, you can never tell. Now to book Shawn's Vegas hotel. He is going to our good friend's wedding in October and I have to stay home with the cat (yes we have thought of all of our options and no, there is no one who can take care of a geriatric cat - you have to live with her, cuddle her LOTS and clean up after her episodes etc etc). My choice to stay home because Gary is like Shawn's little brother but I am still a little bummed about missing the big event. C'est la vie!!Have a great weekend!!! We are guest free and work free - woohoo!!!!

Disclaimer to our guests: we do LOVE having everyone but we have had guests almost every weekend and some weeks since the beginning of May. We do LOVE you all very much and are glad that you enjoy our humble little abode so much!!

Sunday, September 09, 2007

Go on over (if you haven't already!!) and have a peek at the TBG happenings gang with their new daughter Sophie!!!!! So excited for Maryellen and family!!!!!!!!!!! Woohoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh and I have a request. A very very dear old friend and her husband had their surrogate implanted with two embryos last week. Please send white light, healing energy, prayers, whatever you can to this wonderful family. They have had so much loss in their lives (including their daughter) and I just can't imagine any family who deserves a child more. Thanks.

I have been hearing a number of stories of loss recently in the adoption community. People have lost family members, furbabies and friends that they hoped would have been part of their new child's life. I think this is the real tragedy of our wait for our children. One of the gals in my DTC group lost her Grandmother recently and I shed a few tears reading her words. I remember when my Grandma S died (ten years ago today!!) and I was devastated that she would never know my children. I know that her death put my life into fast forward!! We started to plan our wedding, children and our life in BC. I was so sad when my Grandma C died a year later and missed our wedding by a few months. It was so VERY hard. With Camie our kitty, being 19 years old, I am worried about how a little child will interact with her (she is fragile) but then I worry more that we will lose her and be dealing with grief when we meet Isabel!! I only wish that we had the power to pur our wait into "fast forward" now!!! As we wait, life continues and even though I know that we have no control, I still feel so very sad to think of all of the special people and animals in our lives that won't have a chance to meet our darling children.

Saturday, September 01, 2007

I do love this time of year. Autumn is my favorite time to get cozy and comfortable. I put the fire on, light the candles and listen to the wind howl outside. It has rained all weekend here so it feels like Autumn is already here...

That is ok because our last summer long weekend was a bust!! Shawn had to work, our weekend guest V got really sick with a bad cold/fever and I had too many tini's of Friday night to be of any use to anyone!!!! We went to a fun and interesting party with friends but I am certainly feeling my age these days. I used to get up and go to work after a night like that but no more!! I couldn't even get out of bed until noon the next day!!! Ah well, off to the next phase of life, motherhood!!! When exactly that will be, is any one's guess!!!

I am happy (I know that many AP's are pretty upset) that the CCAA referred up to November 25th. I was thinking that it might be a two day referral so four days was a huge relief. There were rumours floating around that they may go into December but I just couldn't see it. So, I am sad that our wait has extended again but happy that at least we are still moving forward.

Oh, and I wanted to recommend a book called "Buy, Buy Baby". It has been a very interesting read so far. I don't necessarily agree with all of the ideas the author suggests but it is enlightening!!

Monday, August 20, 2007

Ok, so I have had many red thread moments this past week and weekend. I don't want to list everything on the blog but there have been some amazing things happening in our little world. I am thinking and hoping that Isabel has been born and that she is being cared for!! As I keep saying, the timing would be right for a referral in February or March 2008. We just want to go to China and return before the Olympics!!!!!

I spent the weekend with our seven year old friend Baxter, his Dad and my sewing machine. A very busy weekend but I was able to organize, sort and complete many of my sewing projects. I REALLY want to get started on Isabel's quilt but feel like I need to finish the pile of little projects before I start this larger one!!!

We are also going to start moving things around in our house as we found out last week that moving isn't an option we are willing to entertain. I really can't see paying twice the mortgage payment for a larger backyard and a few extra hundred square feet. Housing prices here are crazy and we want to stay downtown so we will pay more. Half a million for a 1500 square foot house and small yard or three bedroom townhouse condo without a yard!! Oh well, Isabel with have to make do with the pool/rec centre and playground two blocks away!!! I love the fact that we can walk down to the inner harbour and enjoy our beautiful city on a summer afternoon/evening. As I always say, c'est la vie!!!!!!

Monday, August 13, 2007

Kim finally has her darling girl in her arms. Go on over and congratulate her if you haven't already!!! Click here to send your best wishes!! Soooooo happy for both but a little sad for what Channing is going through in the transition...

Wednesday, August 01, 2007

I went back to this day last year to see what I had posted. Hmnn, funny how some things never change. Even after a year of reading, learning and great discussion we still feel the very same way. My only thoughts were that it needed some serious editing but then, when I write from the heart I like to leave those emotions on the page... if you are interested in my opinions on international adoption, click here.

I joined a yahoo group called "Waiting for our first child from China" and got involved with a quarterly cyber-shower swap there. What can I say!! I love to shop for other people!!

So, our first gift arrived today and the theme was "Fun in the Sun". I can't believe that Isabel has another gorgeous cover up and bathing suit!! I swear, I really looked everywhere for one here and couldn't find what I wanted. My pals are from the US and you guys must have such a better selection there!!!!

I want to thank our pal for the cute little outfit, the adorable sunglasses with a butterfly on them!! Imagine that!!! As well, she sent some loverly toys, sun screen for babes (and I mean BABES!!) and a cute little hat with a strap, which is much appreciated in this windy corner of the world. Yes, there is Camie again, she is such a photo hog!!!

that there was nothing to post about, our March DTC secret pal has sent us our July and August theme gifts!!! We both adore the little bikini and yes, Shawn did think it was a little racy!! The butterfly kisses tshirt is THE BEST t-shirt ever!!! So cute. I can't get over the terry-cloth robe!! I was looking everywhere for one this summer and couldn't find one that I liked anywhere!! This one is just adorable and I can just see Isabel in it. We will take your advice about the baby pool at the Ocean and I am sure that Isabel will love playing in the sand with her new toys. I also LOVE the princess hat, outfit and goodies. No problem about changing the theme from crafts - I can't wait to make the magic castle cake for Isabel!!!! I also can't believe that you sent such a special book!! Just beautiful. Camie was very upset and had to get into the picture because I didn't giver her the immediate attention she is used to!! What a girl...

Again, thank you for your kindness, generosity and wonderful surprises. It means so much to know that there are real people out there who are also enduring this long wait!!

I guess that I feel this way because this blog is about our adoption journey and really, there hasn't been much going on in the past months. With the wait times increasing each month, our daughter seems farther and farther away. I know that we have just completed 17 months of waiting which is great but who knows how many more there are to come. We are not switching programs and are in this for the long haul but focusing on the wait has not been a good thing for me. So, although I am reading blogs and keeping in touch with the goings on (yea August referrals!!!), I just don't have much to post about so I thought that I would post about this!! Happy August!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sunday, July 29, 2007

Just wondering if others are feeling this way? So many times I have blog posts rolling around in my head but I never seem to have the time to write anything!! Summer is just zooming by and I feel as though it hasn't even started yet!!!!! For posterity, I thought that I should list what has happened in our small little world so far..

1.We have had tons of fun with friends and family. It has been a crazy time of visiting, holidaying and exploring our Island home.2. Our very dear friend's granddaughter was shot a week ago in Winnipeg outside of a club while waiting for a cab with her girlfriends after a birthday party. She is recuperating and coming home to Vancouver this weekend. You never think that these things will happen to people that you know and love!!!3. The last H. Potter book arrived here on Friday from Amazon and it has been hard to take my nose out of it to spend time with anyone. Yesterday, they all went hiking and I took my chair and sat at the beach and read... As my 6 1/2 year old friend Baxter said "Don't read it too fast Kristine, then you will be sorry you have finished it!! I feel that way about most of the books that I read!!" He also informed me that I missed out on climbing the magical mountain because I decided to read instead. What was I thinking!!Ah, out of the mouths of babes!!4. The H. Potter movie "Order of the Phoenix" came out and we went. I will have to see it a second time to really give an opinion. 5. We almost bought a new townhouse condo but didn't move fast enough... the market here is CRAZY expensive...I have to get used to the fact that unless I want to live in the suburbs, we will be staying put...

AND our little nephew Blake turned TWO today!!! Happy birthday to one of the cutest little guys we know!! Wish we had been there to help celebrate but it sounded as though Blake and Brett were having a good time when we called!!

So, August is on the horizon and the sun is setting at 9:30 instead of 10:00. Soon enough, we will have 17 months of official waiting under our belts and referral should come soon too... Here's hoping we have our daughter to enjoy the summer with next year. Off to watch "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" while we eat Shawn's famous chicken wings...Yummy!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thursday, July 19, 2007

Oh my, Ms Dragonfly !!!! What a wonderful week. New book and NEW BABY GIRL!!!!!!!!! Grace Ryan is absolutely precious!! If you didn't already know this, Elizabeth is a published author and you can find the link to purchase her first book right here. Isn't the title page just the cutest!! It is just so amazing when referrals arrive and those of us still waiting can share in the joy!!!!!

Sunday, July 15, 2007

Well, I know that everyone says this but the best part of this wait are the great people that you "meet" through groups and blogging. My Feb DTC pal Sam is one of those people. She has sent me so many little goodies along the way and yesterday, a package with dark chocolate, some pretty candles and a great cd, came my way. I can't tell you how it brightened an otherwise dreary day!!!!! Oh yes, if you do visit Sam today her first attempt at a poem, "Ode to a Pooper Scooper" is hysterical!!!! Thanks for the laugh!!I guess I am feeling a little sad because our friends have returned to Ontario and we have returned to work after a fabulous holiday with them. It was great!! We went to all of the places that I mentioned in my last post as well as visiting Colleen, Bob and the kids on Saltspring Island for a day. There is NOTHING like a BBQ and swimming in an Island lake!! Thanks guys for having us!!I am also feeling sad because the kids are gone. Rachael is six and Andrew is eight. They are wonderful kids and we had so much fun together. Rachael spent her last night here dressed in my purple wig and vampire costume along with the teeth. She is hilarious!! I had to give her the glow in the dark teeth to take home - she spent hours in the bathroom with them!!! I guess having the kids here, even when they were fighting and driving their parents crazy, really reminded me that we want a family too and it has just been such a long wait to have one. People who are adopting for the first time have usually been waiting alot longer than the published wait times and it is now eight years for us with only 16 months of this being in line for China. I was looking at the kids thinking that if we had been able to have our own, our children would have been just a little younger than Andrew and Rachael. Oh well. Yikes, late for work but thanks again Sam for brightening my day as you always do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can't believe that I haven't posted for two weeks!! We have been so very busy with a house full of guests. I had this past week off from work and we travelled (with Camie of course) up island to Parksville and enjoyed every minute swimming in the ocean, playing on the beach, visitingCathedral Grove, hanging out on our ocean view hotel room balconies and visiting Gary at his campsite at Rathtrevor Beach. I don't have pictures yet but it was a great week and even Camie enjoyed the air conditioned suite as we have had some hot weather here on the West Coast. Ah, this is the life. Both of my parents are/were teachers and I never understood that people actually went to work in the summer. My Dad coached all of our sports teams, we went sailing, to the cottage and visited friends and family all summer long. It was a great childhood but it was very difficult to get my mind around that fact that you have to work at your full time job in the summer!!! Even though intellectually I know that most people do, it just doesn't feel right to get up and go to work on hot summer days!!! This is actually, the first time I have had a week off in the summer for oh, 22 years so I have worked all summer long since I was a teenager but it is still strange!!! So, hope that everyone is enjoying their summer - especially you teachers who really deserve the time away!!!

Sunday, July 01, 2007

? to go... Just thought that I should mark it by a post. Hope all of the Canadians are having a great Canada Day!!! We are watching the Diana Special then off to the fun downtown. That Seamus O'Reagan from CTV is HILARIOUS!!!! What a guy and kind of cute too!!

Saturday, June 30, 2007

Yep, thought that I was more of a Geek because I like Sci-Fi, reading and computers but guess not!! I think that I am a geek because I did this quiz on a beautiful long weekend!!!! Actually, Veronica is here from the Mainland and we are resting after a lovely Thai lunch on the patio around the block, thrift store shopping and walking all over the city. Next stop the liquor store for some Vodka for 'tinis and then to the rooftop patio downtown for dinner and drinks. Yummy!!!!! See how great I feel tomorrow...yikes!!!!

Friday, June 22, 2007

I don't know how to thank you for filling Isabel's toy chest and our medicine cabinet with all of the goodies you sent this month. I can't believe how amazing the first aid kit is - booboo stickers, crayon band aides. Just sooo cute!!!! As I wrote in our DTC group, Camie and I have already played with the toy medical kit. It was really fun and I can't wait for Isabel to get her hands on all of the goodies. Shawn was really thrilled with the card that you sent and he agrees that he will call us "his girls" as I am so much like a little kid sometimes!!! Too cute!!!

Again, thank you for your generosity!! I also wanted to thank everyone for their wishes for our girl. She had a wonderful meal of BBQ chicken and had TONS of cuddles that night (not that she doesn't every night!!). When I am reading other people's blogs, it always amazes me how many people without children have pets. They truly are our "fur-babies". When Shawn wasn't sure about adopting, I asked him how he felt about his kitties because they were adopted (yes, I know some people are offended when the word 'adoption' is used in relation to animals) and they are a different species!!!! Love is boundless, timeless and an amazing gift that we give the people and animals in our lives!! Have a great weekend - I plan to do NOTHING at all!!

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

also known as Camie - gurl, Rooster (she gets Shawn up every morning at 5 am!!), Lovey girl, sweetie kitty and beautiful doll. She is 19 years old and still going strong. She has a few issues that we tackle with a raw food diet but she is a pretty healthy girl with a few creaks!! She was the tiniest little thing when I first brought her home, she lived in the closet with me at Shawn and Wayne's (don't ask!!!) and moved across our country in the front seat of a Uhaul truck, sitting on a pillow and telling Shawn ALL about his driving!!! Quite the life.

Tonight, Shawn made chicken on the BBQ and we caught her standing on the table, sniffing out the chicken!! What a girl!! She likes to be with us at all times and puts me to bed every night. Yep she does. She comes in, snuggles me and then leaves about 10:30 every night. If I am not in bed by 10:00, the calling starts. Last night we went down to the Ocean and when we came home, she was on her koshie. I told her I was going to bed and she came with me immediately!! Soooo sweet.

She is declawed but still has her back claws so it sounds like she is walking with high heels wherever she goes. I have to say that this suits her. She used to sit in chairs, with her paws hanging over the arms like the queen. Camie is really something!!

Every day when I come home from work, she is on the bed waiting to be picked up and snuggled. Shawn says that she makes her way to the bed from wherever she is in the house, just before I get home. The funny thing is that I have caught her on her way to the bedroom and she gets so mad!!! What a girl!!!! She also sleeps on a pillow above my head every night and gets very upset if I get up in the morning without a cuddle. Yikes!!!

For all of you who know and love our cat who thinks that she is a human (she actually talks on the phone to her Grandma Liz), send her food - that is all she wants. Oh yes, and tons of love and attention.

Sunday, June 10, 2007

Maryellen and family, over at TBG Happenings, fellow Marching Pandas HAVE THEIR REFERRAL of their beautiful daughter Sophie!!!!!!!!!! CONGRATULATIONS to all of you - we are just thrilled for your family Maryellen. If you haven't already, go have a peek at this gorgeous girl!! This news just made our weekend - it is wonderful to know that another precious baby girl has an amazing family coming to take her home!!!!

Friday, June 08, 2007

Well, I have been tagged by Dolores so here goes:1. Dark Chocolate - love it, love it, love it!!!! Ah, such comfort in Chocolate.2. Gluten Free Pizza - Yummy and very nice after a long day!! This combines my love of Thai food...3. My most recent favorite food is Vanilla yogurt with frozen blueberries and lots of fresh strawberries... must make some now!!I have to add one more.... SUSHI!!!!!! LOVE my sushi. Always makes me feel better.I have to say that I used to love egg salad sandwiches on white bread or mac and cheese but the gluten free options just aren't as good!!If you are reading this and want to share...consider yourself tagged!!!

Thursday, June 07, 2007

Spiritual and thoughtful, you tend to take a step back from the world. You're very sensitive to what's going on around you, yet you remain calm.Although you are brilliant, it may take you a while to find your niche.Your creativity is supreme, but it sometimes makes it hard for you to get things done.Your strength: Your inner peaceYour weakness: You get stuck in the cloudsYour power color: EmeraldYour power symbol: LeafYour power month: November

Wednesday, June 06, 2007

Last night we ordered pizza for dinner. There is only one place in town that does a gluten-free crust so that is where we have to order from (for me). It is called "The Joint" and the pizza's are amazing. Shawn always gets the organic whole wheat crust and they are really creative with their pizzas. I had the Thai peanut one last night - yummy!!So, because it is a specialized pizza "joint", it takes a LONG time to be delivered (usually over an hour). It is located right downtown on Wharf St. and it is VERY difficult to pick up from. So, what does this have to do with waiting? Well, last night I called at 5:20 to order. At 7:00 Shawn asked if I should call and see where it was because we had been waiting so long. I said "Well hon, we are experts in waiting for things. We waited 8 years to get married, 6 years to get pregnant and we have been waiting over two years for our adoption. What is the problem with waiting over an hour and a half for a pizza?" We had a good laugh and then the doorbell rang...

Monday, June 04, 2007

a little blue sounding!! I just reread it and I have to say that although we are sad that we don't have our daughter home with us, we have been using this time to prepare ourselves for her arrival. I REALLY want to be a SAHM and we might actually be able to achieve this because of the extended wait times. Last week was difficult because I would really like to make a change in jobs and the one offered last week was a peach. They already knew about the parental leave (it was an unsolicited job offer) so I had to fess up the rest of the info. I think that I was feeling sad about that. Anyway, just wanted to report that yes, although this wait is so uncertain and yes, there are times when we all feel down, in the end it is for the best. We will make more of our dreams come true!!!

Saturday, June 02, 2007

15 months yesterday, CCAA logged in our dossier. 15 months, wow! Thanks for the reminder Sam , I knew it was coming but forgot!! Feels like forever and then it feels like no time at all has passed. Before this month, I was always so hyper-aware that each month was passing, we celebrated and felt that we were one month closer to bringing home our daughter. Now that the wait is extending into infinity (who really knows how long it will get to be), we didn't celebrate, I wasn't hyper-aware and we are trying to forget that yet another summer is passing without a child in our home. Will it be another summer after this one? Who knows. I guess that I am just kind of tired of the monthly referral roller-coaster.I had to turn down a job offer this week (an unsolicited one ) because of the uncertainty of the referral timeline which will end in a parental leave (we have over 30 weeks in Canada). I just couldn't give them a concrete answer other than "maybe next spring" and we agreed that it would not be beneficial for their clients. This situation is not good for relationship building which is essential in my career. I just don't feel as though I can make a job change even though I REALLY need to, when everything is so uncertain. The only certain thing is the uncertainty!!! So, I will get excited about these LIDversary's when they actually mean that we are close to our referral. No-one said that adoption would be easy!!!

Monday, May 28, 2007

I just want to bang on de drum all day!!!!! Check out the coolest drum kit ever!! Our March DTC Secret Pal has amazed us again. We LOVE music in our house and Isabel is going to be able to play her drum or her buggy xylophone or her bee shaker while I play the centipede tambourine as Shawn plays his guitar with us!!!!!! You have no idea how amazing this gift of music is. Just wonderful.We also love the "Wee Sing" tapes and books. I can see those being very fun to listen to and play along with in the car as well as at home. If that wasn't enough, our pal included three books "Piglet and Mama" (it is the year of the pig you know!!), "Colours of the Mountain" and "Chinese Cinderella". I don't know how you manage to find books that we haven't read yet!!! Amazing. So thank you, thank you for this most wonderful gift of music and song. Oh, and no problem about giving Isabel a drum - Shawn's parents gave him a whole kit when he was a kid and he plans to do the same with Isabel.

As an aside, Shawn is really uncomfortable with any pictures of us on the blog but I have to put this one on because you can really only see my lovely arms and nose (if you look closely). Shawn snapped this one when I was sick so please excuse the tissue!!! This is how Camie and I go to sleep each night - snuggling together listening to a story on CD or to our classical music choice. I wonder how Isabel will fit into our huggle time here!!

Thursday, May 24, 2007

I am barley awake but had to record this dream... I was somewhere with my Mom, Shawn and Colleen. It was a hilly place with lots of tents, caravans etc. There were tons of families there waiting for their their children from China. All of a sudden, a helicopter (big enough to seat a number of people, white in colour) landed and people started milling around the helicopter. Some received news of LID's, some received other paperwork but most received their children from the one lady in the helicopter. It was a frenzy of activity and my Mom asked me what was happening. I could hear a radio far off and the male announcer said - they have matched and referred children to January something 2006. My Mom asked me again and I found that I was crying when I spoke. I told her that that means that we could possibly be next!! This batch, they matched an unprecedented 2 months and a bit. If they do this next time, we are in and our daughter will be here by summer!!!!!!!!! I remember that I wasn't shocked that the children were dropped off by a helicopter or anything in the scene - only sad that we didn't know any of these people. The dream continued on with Shawn, Colleen, her littlest kids and I in a big Winnebago, trying to find a parking spot so that we could go to the movies - crazy!!!Ah, if only dreams could come true!!! Well, the part about the up to January referral. I would HATE to miss the trip to China!! Just wanted to record this - sorry if it is incoherent but I have to go get ready for work and I didn't want to forget it!!!! I do have a dream journal but the ones about China, I think should be here for Isabel.Oh and if you do read the RQ, you will already know this but for those that don't, she has reported that TA's are coming to European families and that means that referrals may come sometime next week - MAY that is. Have a great Thursday!!!

Monday, May 21, 2007

I thought that perhaps, I had avoided this but Ms Dragonfly has tagged me!!! Just what I wanted to do today but I will oblige as she asked so sweetly and Camie is resting comfortably beside me!!FOODOLOGY1.What is your salad dressing of choice? My own concoction of wheat free soya sauce, Miran, rice vinegar, wheat free wooster (yea, I know that is not how you spell it!!), olive oil and a drop of sesame. Yummy.2.What food could you eat every day for two weeks and not get sick of? definitely Sushi or Italian food (so many choices!!)

TECHNOLOGY1.What is your wallpaper on your computer? a photo of the Hurricane Mountains that we took last summer while hiking with friends.2.How do you listen to music? On my stereo, on my cd player/alarm clock (both in my bedroom and in my office - love them!!), car radio and I am forced to listen to KISS on the television as I bought Shawn the KISSology DVD collection for his birthday in February - nope, he's not tired of it yet!!!BIOLOGY1.What’s your best feature? I think that my hair, my lips and my eyes are but Shawnie is a T & A man, so he may disagree!!2.Have you ever had anything removed from your body?Hmnn, well wisdom teeth and I thought my heart for a while when this wait started to be extended - that was ripped, not removed :)3.Which of your five senses do you think is keenest? Have to be smell as Shawn thinks that I am deaf in one ear as I Zone Out alot. I also like the 6th senseBULLSHITOLOGY1.If it were possible, would you want to know the day you were going to die? Tricky question. Yes, because I would want to do EVERYTHING and see EVERYONE before I died but No, because then I might get depressed if it is too soon and I won't see my daughter grow up!!!2. Is love for real? Of course it is. Everyone loves someone or something in their lives. Love is part of being a human being - causing great joy and great sorrow at times. As the Beatles say "All you need is Love" and I truly believe this because once you have love in your life, anything is possible!!!3.If you could change your first name, what would you change it to? I changed it to Isabel when I was little but I have grown into my name now.4. Have you ever saved someone’s life? Yep, I work in the health care industry with seniors and there have been times. I have done the Heimlich a few times as well as assisted when people have fallen, had strokes etc.5. Has someone ever saved yours? Not yet but I am hoping that someone would!!!DAREOLOGY1. Would you walk naked for a half mile down a public street for $100,000? For that kind of money, sure thing!!!2.Would you kiss a member of the same sex for $100? Now that was an easy $100.3. Would you allow one of your little fingers to be cut off for $200,000? Depends how desperate for money I would be at the time!!4. Would you never blog again for $50,000? You had better believe it!! Wouldn't stop reading and commenting though!!5. Would you pose nude in a magazine for $250,000? Tough question. Depends who the audience was - would they see my face or just my tush!!!6.Would you drink an entire bottle of hot sauce for $1,000? Oh yea.7. Would you give up watching television for a year for $25,000? But of course!! DUMBOLOGY1. What is in your left pocket? I am in my LaSenza Chickie nightie, no pockets, sorry.2. Is Napoleon Dynamite actually a good movie? Hm. I didn't really get it but the talent scene was hilarious.3. Do you have hardwood or carpet in your house? we have laminate "wood" - hey it is a condo and I am frugal, what can I say!!4. Do you sit or stand in the shower? Stand. Love my huge Rain Shower head. 5. Could you live with roommates? Yep, did quite a bit in University - it was such a party!!!6. How many pairs of flip-flops do you own? One pair with big flowers on the toes!!!7. When was the last time you had a run-in with the cops? A Ride program last year!! They always think that Shawn is an actor as we have so much of filming going on here. Too funny!!!8. What do you want to be when you grow up? Why would I want to grow up????9. Last friend you talked to? Shawn10. Last person you called? ColleenRANDOMOLOGY1. First place you went this morning?Umn, to the Loo, then back to bed to read and cuddle with the kitty.2. What can you not wait to do? GO TO CHINA AND MEET ISABEL!!!!!!!!!!3. What’s the last movie you saw?Homefries on DIVA. Love Drew Barrymore!!! Friends have said that Shawn and I resemble Drew and Adam in "The Wedding Singer" but I think that Shawn is much cuter than Adam!!!

Ok, so there you have it. More silly info about me and mine. Hope that all the Canadians had a great May "Two-Four"!! Well, at least for those of you in Ontario. Out here in BC it is "Victoria Day" without the fireworks :(, only parades. Ah the memories of campsites, cold mornings, wet tents, soggy cases of beer (or boxes of wine in my case) and friends. What a life. This weekend, Shawn and I went shopping for fabric for Isabel, a new shower door and our secret pal. I then prepared all the the squares for Isabel's quilt that I have received, baked Gluten-Free chocolate chip cookies, prepared squares for another quilt I am making and cut out dress patterns to make Isabel dresses. What a difference!!! I guess when you hit 35, your party days are over - here comes domesticity!!!! But, I still love my wine - but not from a box these days!!

PS: If anyone wants to trade squares, email me and I would love to trade. I want to make Isabel a smaller quilt too, so I am still looking for squares. For those FAMILY MEMBERS who haven't sent them yet and you know who you are - I NEED your squares in the next few weeks as I want to get started piecing it together!!!

Thursday, May 17, 2007

In the comments from my last post, Greg Lang left a comment!!! He is the author of "Why I Chose You". How cool is that!! Thanks Greg and I am really enjoying the book. Actually the other night I said to Camie, "I chose you because" and then opened the book. The words were perfect!! I then said the same thing to Shawn and opened the book. Again, perfect words. Finally I said it to Isabel and we read the words together. They were PERFECT. It is such a lovely book and I have to thank my secret pal for a great gift that we are really enjoying.

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

Can you see why!!! My wonderful secret pal sent me two gifts and they both arrived on the same day!!! The book "Why I Chose You" is WONDERFUL and it is the one of the reasons for the tears. Our theme this month was to do with frames and photos which I think this gorgeous book fits in with beautifully!! What a precious gift. Another reason would have to be all of the beautiful photo frames with notes. I tried to make the photo large enough so that you can read the little notes that she included. If you can't, the frames are all seasonal with little notes that say "Isabel in her Easter Dress", Isabel at Christmas" and "Isabel in the Snow". Yes, we will have snow here in Victoria. The heart one is for Isabel's first referral photo. I CAN'T WAIT TO PUT HER PHOTO IN IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thank you for starting our little photo gallery of our darling daughter!!!The other reason I am having a few tears is the lovely Mother's Day card and necklace that my pal sent. It is so very beautiful and her words in the card "The truth is that you are a Mom to a little Isabel who is waiting for you in China" brought me to tears. I could hardly read the rest but the words "P.S. your gift is the Chinese symbol for Mother - Wear it Proud" really made me weep. I will "Wear it Proud"!!!! You are an amazing person and I appreciate all of your thoughts and gifts sooo very much. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!

Sunday, May 13, 2007

Wow, the last two weeks have been a blur!! My Mom and my nephew Brett came out from London Ontario to visit. We had a BLAST. Brett is six and the perfect age to enjoy tide pools, petting zoos, ferry rides and everything else that we did!! He even enjoyed drinks and appetizers on the Inner Harbour! What a kid. I really miss his giggle. Oh yea and his Auntie taught him a few potty mouth words which my Mom reported he used with his cousin today. Yikes!! All I said was "I don't have goatshit on my ass" as I jumped up from the petting zoo stump I was sitting on!! Well, that was it. He was in hysterics and today, when cousin Emma said "Oh, there is some birdy poop", he said "Auntie Kristine would say that is bird shit!!". Egads. That is how I am remembered. Uncle Shawn is remembered as his Uncle who knows EVERYTHING. Uncle Shawn answered EVERY question he had. Hmmnn. I guess I am the fun one and Shawn is the intelligent one. Ah well, could be worse.So, although today was a difficult one because we are still waiting (and thought that this year we would have Isabel with us), I have to say "Happy Mother's Day" to all the Mom's and Waiting Mom's that I know. On one of my yahoo groups a gal wrote that we should all enjoy this year because next year we will be chasing our little ones around, sleep deprived and happy. Ahhh, I sure hope so!!! Big hugs to all and especially to Dolores who is having an especially difficult day.

Tuesday, May 01, 2007

Dolores has nominated us for this lovely award!! Thank you for your kindness and generosity Dolores and yes, my Shawn gets a kick out of their shared name too!! Thank you for your kind words and I do so appreciate that we have made a connection even though we have never met!!!

So, I guess that I have to name five people now and this is a challenge. I love so many people's blogs and there are so many that I think are super and one of those happens to be Dolores'!! She always writes with such honesty and integrity. She has had a very difficult year but I know that she is a strong woman who will survive not only life's ups and downs but this incredible wait for our children. Here's to you Dolores!!

So in no order, I nominate:

Fling Poo: if you haven't visited this blog, you should!!! I laugh every time I visit and I adore the pictures.

Mrs. Vandertramp: my wonderful not so secret pal who lends me her ear and writes beautiful posts. Sam is a great gal and I have really enjoyed getting to know her and her thoughts on just about everything!!!

Ladybug Journals : Ok, now you have to visit and see Miss Aly and Master Ben. These are the most beautiful children and if you ever feel sad, just watch Miss Aly dance!!

Digging a Hole to China : I really enjoy Heather's posts. She has a great sense of humour, is an incredible decorator and I just get a kick out of reading about her crazy world!!

Elizabeth: An incredible writer, a beautiful blog and a great support. Oh, and she lives on the West Coast!!

Ok now, I am not going to post a link to this nomination because he is closing up shop but I would like to nominate Johnny over at "So, it's come down to this". What a guy!!!!

TBG Happenings : because Maryellen is funny, intelligent and thinks that I am a "Mom" even though I don't have a child yet!!!

Yep, it almost got away on me - I mean I almost forgot to record this milestone. Wow, I can't believe it has been this long but then again, the time has gone quickly in so many ways. I am hearing rumours all over the place that the referral cut off this month is November 1st and that would be a good thing I guess. At least it is not another two day referral month. That is just so difficult for everyone involved. We feel sad because it increases our wait but I was heartbroken for all of those families who were expecting their referrals last month. The good news was that Debbie and Chris from our town and agency were referred their beautiful daughter Asia and they will be travelling in 27 sleeps from today I think!! Wonderful news. So, I was thinking of a variety of posts in the last few days about May. It is such a difficult month because we remember our little kitty who died two years ago of cancer (we still miss her soo very much) and it is another Mother's Day without any thoughts of when we can celebrate this day. I am not sure how to deal with this day this year. Last year I had hope because we were just given our LID date and it felt like things were starting to move in the right direction. This year, well, our referral seems so far away that I think we might go through another Mother's Day/Father's Day next year without a child in our family. I am usually not so down but my job has been exceptionally challenging these last few weeks and promises not to get any better in the next month. I know that I should put my head down and focus on the work ahead to try and "forget" what is happening in our adoption but that too is a challenge. Ah well, as Jan on my Marching Panda site always says, every day is one day closer to our children. My hope of an autumn referral has gone out the window!!!

Thursday, April 26, 2007

Johnny is closing up shop!!! If you haven't had a chance to enjoy his writing, please do so before he password protects his site and goes into the ether. I read his posts daily and always enjoyed his sense of humour, insight and yes, I will say it, wisdom!!! His blog had everything including his own passions for t-shirts, shoes and cooking lessons. Ah, what a guy. Going to miss my daily dose but I do wish him well. Goodbye Johnny!!! Sigh...

Saturday, April 21, 2007

I had just the worst week at work. It was difficult in so many ways that I can't even explain them all. In the end though, last night as I was speaking to my boss, she thanked me for everything that I had accomplished. She said that she really appreciated all of the effort I had put into the huge special events, staffing difficulties and co-worker conflicts this past week. Needless to say, these were the huge challenges - there were so many little ones too!!! The best news is that we have gone from the strike vote results to mediation this past week which is a great step forward. Sometimes being part of the management team is really a drag!!!!!! So, when a special package arrived from Samantha I was thrilled. As you can see from the picture, it was a care package with "Kristine" written all over it (that's what Shawn said anyway!!). The tea is really lovely and I am enjoying a cup as I write this. The chocolate - well what can I say - FABULOUS. This is my special Japanese teapot which brews the best tea ever so I had to use it for this very special tea!!! Yes, I have a number of teapots and a tea cupboard. Love my tea!!!

In this photo I also included the box with all of the great "Year of the Pig" stamps on it!!! When Shawn picked it up, our post office gal said "hope you like stamps!!!" Shawn laughed and said that there was a special reason for them!! So, thanks again Sam for this pick me up just when I needed it. You are a REAL pal!!!

Monday, April 16, 2007

We just arrived home from the incredible Seido-en on Saltspring Island. It is a wonderful place and the time we spent there was rejuvenating. Camie had a fabulous time too as our "old girl" joined us on our weekend away (we can't leave her home alone any longer). She made herself at home immediately and meowed all the way home today - the slate floors are heated - need I say more!! As for Shawn and I, we partook in the hot tub many, many times and enjoyed an absolutely beautiful day yesterday on the outside patio. Camie prowled around but we had to bring her in when she started to eat grass. She is amazing for a 19 year old kitty but she doesn't have the teeth for this any longer. We were also visited by three deer, a humming bird and a variety of little song birds. It is so peaceful and quiet in the Japanese forest house. Well, off to unpack and try to get used to the noises of the city again!!

Friday, April 06, 2007

With the news the last few days about referrals, I had to find SOMETHING funny out there!!! In my defense, I don't understand the language but I do think that this was staged and that no one was hurt. Watch at your own discretion and know that I have a weird sense of humour!!!!After Maryellen's suggestion, I went and updated this with the subtitles - she's right, it is even funnier!!!!!!Laughing Interview

This picture has in it Isabel's Easter gifts and the cushion cover that Anita and Bengy gave our little girl. I have all of the windows wide open and the sun is shining, what a beautiful day!! It is strange to have these gifts because we don't purchase Christmas gifts for Isabel but I guess that the Easter goodies are soooo cute that I can't resist!! The bunny egg plate I purchased last year, thinking that we would be making eggs this year. Guess not. This year I purchased the bunny because she is soooo soft and adorable. She is a ty beanie baby and she has a "squishy" stomach that is just tooooo fun to cuddle. I can't wait for Isabel to hold her. Now I KNOW that her eyes may be dangerous and the scarf may have to be removed but still, she is the sweetest little bunny ever - just like our little bunny will be!!! I think that I have mentioned that Shawn's pet name for me is "bunny rabbit" or "kitten" so I am sure Isabel will be "little bunny" or something like that. Camie's pet name is "rooster" because she gets us up at the crack of dawn by howling for food - for the past 19 years!!!! Believe me, you can't ignore her, she just gets louder and then comes and licks your eyelids!! What a cat but I digress, just wanted to say Happy Easter!!!!!

Wednesday, April 04, 2007

Why do people always think that I want to hold babies? Yet another staff member's new baby was brought to work today and handed around for everyone to hold. I don't hold babies. It is just too hard. Usually, I can just avoid the holding while oogling the new little one but today, they tried to put him in my arms. Yikes!!! Another staff member said "I thought for sure you would be the first one to want to hold him." Just another instance of people not having any clue what it is like to wait literally for years to have a family!! Just had to vent.

Sunday, April 01, 2007

as said by "Count von Count" on Sesame Street - imagine the lightening flash and thunder rolling. Maryellen at TBG Happenings posted her families 12 month LIDversary the other day and included the "Ladybug Picnic" cartoon from Sesame Street. The next day, she put on "Two Little Girls" from Sesame Street - one of my ALL TIME favorites. So thanks so much Maryellen for the great memories and I had "Count von Count" rolling around in my head so I decided to quote him in my title of this post!!

Yes it has been 13 months today. How many more to go? Who knows but I am betting 6. I am kind of a betting gal - I have gone to the Casino a few times (with work) and one day I made $11.00 from only playing a quarter. Not bad odds!! I must have a little of that genetic luck of the Irish!! I don't really know other people with the same LID as we have - it is not a common one but happy LIDversary to anyone who is sharing this ride with us!!! 13 GLORIOUS months a ha, ha, ha, ha, ha.

Saturday, March 31, 2007

My friend Erin sent me the heritage recognition site so I though I would try it. So here is what I look like - he he he. Shawn thinks so, guess we have a similar bone structure and hair but too funny - me a supermodel yea right!!!

Friday, March 30, 2007

This one is very self indulgent but I really enjoyed reading Kayce's answers so I though I would give it a try!!1. Where/How did you meet? I was 15, he was 18 and we were working together in one of my Mom's "Christmas" stores - his big brother was my Mom's right hand man. Shawn says that he fell in love with me when he first saw me because I looked like an "angel" (it was a dark store and I was at the back, with a light behind my blond hair). We ALWAYS had a real connection/attraction but he was just too old for me, played guitar in a punk band, had HUGE hair (the 80's)and was very mysterious!!2. How long have you known each other? 22 years3. How long after you met did you start dating? 4 years - when I was 19 and home from University for the holidays, he asked me out (I thought that we were going to a movie with "everyone" but it turned out to be the two of us!!!) and that was it!!!4. How long did you date before you were engaged? 2 years (the 1st time Shawn asked I was only 18 and said no but I said yes 3 years later!!)5. How long was your engagement? 8 years (had to be sure!!!)6. How long have you been married? 8 years7. What is your anniversary? January 30th at 7:45 pm. We were married on the upside of the clock as it is good luck (Chinese custom).8. How many people came to your wedding reception? 90 it was small, intimate and we had an open bar!!9. What kind of cake did you serve? Traditional Caribbean Rum Cake in three different sizes with a marzipan then fondant. It was on three different stands and beautifully decorated with flowers, lights and fabric.10. Where was your wedding? London Civic Centre in the Solarium, beside the little pond, amongst the flowers.11. What did you serve for your meal? We had 5 different h'ordeurves served by the staff with a champagne cocktail and then an Italian themed buffet with a Chef preparing individual pasta sauces and dishes.12. How many people were in your wedding party? 4 groomsmen and 1 bridesmaid, flower girl and ring bearer.13. Are you still friends with them all? They are our brothers and sister. The flower girl is my Mom's close friend's daughter who now babysits my nephews and our little ring bearer nephew is almost 6ft tall!!14. Did your spouse cry during the ceremony? yes - he NEVER cries so he had EVERYONE crying except me, I was giggling15. Most special moment of your wedding day? When my FIL took me aside and said "now I have my daughter". Oh yes and when we kissed and everyone gave big cheers, yelling FINALLY!!!16.Any funny moments? When my 25 year old step-brother (who has severe brain damage from Epilepsy) got mad at having to stand around for so long during the ceremony, yelled "Jesus Christ" really loudly then stomped all the way up the winding wooden ramp as his companion took him out of the garden area. My sister and I were hysterical!!17. Any big disasters? Shawn was REALLY sick and his Aunties kept telling me I needed to take him home. He is green in our photos!!!18. Where did you go on your honeymoon?Wikkaninish Inn,19. How long were you gone? 7 longest days of my life. Shawn spent the week in bed fighting the flu while I was so thankful that we had a spa and the movie channels in our little cabin!!20. If you were to do your wedding over, what would you change? I would have a mother who behaved and a groom who wasn't falling over with the flu!!21. What side of the bed do you sleep on? Right22. What size is your bed? queen23. Greatest strength as a couple? We are still in love with each other after all of these years. We support one another through all of our ups and downs. We respect each other and laugh together.24. Greatest challenge as a couple? Our families .25. Who literally pays the bills? Me26. What is your song? "Wonderful Tonight" (Shawn actually sang it on a CBC station for a valentine's contest and they played it on my 30thbday!!) and "Moondance" (after we made it to a VM concert for the encore at the EX in TO - don't ask but it was a CRAZY trip- and we looked up and saw the full moon rising while VM sang - too romantic!!!)27. What did you dance your first dance to? Some song in a club - neither of us can remember. We do remember the DJ announcing over the loud speaker that we needed to get a room though!!!!28. Describe your wedding dress: The top was deep blue velvet with a V neckline and flowing sleeves so that my "borrowed" gold, ruby and diamond necklace would show. The rest of the dress was a brocade cream coloured cotton.29. What kind of flowers did you have at your wedding? Red and black velvet looking roses in our bouquets and our hair (the girls) with white freesia, lavender and greenery.30. Are your wedding bands engraved? Nope31. How old were you when you got married? 28 and 31

I am still so happy that we are organizing for Isabel!! Today someone asked me how far along we were and I took Shannon's advice and told the person that we were happily almost thirteen months "paper" pregnant with about eight months to go!! It was great and we started talking about baby paraphernalia!! Too fun!!!